Low-emissions economy

Source:

Publication date:

The Productivity Commission has published its final report on its inquiry, Low-emissions economy.

From the Commission's website:

What did the inquiry find?

Numerous changes will be required across the economy – some disruptive, some less obvious. Three particular shifts must happen for New Zealand to achieve its low-emissions goals:

1. We stop burning fossil fuels and switch to using electricity and other low-emission energy sources. This means a rapid and comprehensive switch of the light vehicle fleet to electric vehicles and other very low-emissions vehicles, and a switch away from fossil fuels in providing process heat for industry;

2. We undertake substantial levels of afforestation to offset New Zealand’s remaining emissions. This will require sustained rates of planting over the next 30 years, potentially approaching the highest annual rate ever recorded in New Zealand; and

3. We make changes to the structure and methods of agricultural production. This will include diversification of land use towards more horticulture and cropping, and greater adoption of low-emissions practices on farms....